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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

State senator speaks with fired employees

Rebecca Mcnulty
February 7, 2005

Sen. Virg Bernero, D-Lansing, will appear today on the NBC's Today Show, ABC's Good Morning America and CBS's The Early Show with employees from Okemos-based Weyco Inc. The workers were fired for refusing to take a test that would have determined if they smoked outside of work. Bernero said he plans to introduce legislation that would prevent companies from firing employees who choose to smoke or engage in other legal activities on their own time.

MICHIGAN

Group holds date auction for wish

Eleven-year-old Rachel Wing said she wants to learn to do the hula and see the black sand beaches of Hawaii that her nurse told her about. With her Lansing room painted in beach scenes, her mother Chris Dennings said she tells Rachel every night to "dream of Hawaii." As Rachel enters the final phase of chemotherapy for acute lymphatic leukemia, her wish to go to her favorite island might come true as early as June this year.

MICHIGAN

City, developers discuss ideas

Kris Turner
February 7, 2005

A plan to construct a hotel in the redevelopment of the East Village is among many ideas being tossed around by city officials and the project's potential developers. Proposals submitted by four developers were discussed during a meeting last week, but a final decision was not rendered. The East Village area is bounded on the west and east by Bogue Street and Hagadorn Road, and on the north and south by Grand River Avenue and the Red Cedar River.

MICHIGAN

Evaluations postpone 2 area trials

Lauren Phillips
February 4, 2005

Two cases scheduled for preliminary exams today have been waived so the defendants can undergo forensic evaluations, court officials said. Forensic evaluations involve psychological exams. Claude McCollum, 27, is charged with open murder and criminal sexual conduct in the first degree in the Jan.

MICHIGAN

Phone use slows reactions

Kristin Longley
February 4, 2005

Students who talk on their cell phones while driving react just as slowly as elderly citizens and increase their risk of accidents, according to a recently released report from the University of Utah. David Strayer, author of the study and University of Utah psychology professor, said a 20-year-old on a cell phone tends to have the same reaction time as a 70-year-old who is not on the phone. "In fact, younger people are more at risk because they drive too close to others," Strayer said.

MICHIGAN

Lansing hosts expo catered to women

Melissa Domsic
February 4, 2005

Local women have the chance to do everything from talk with financial advisers to learn home decorating tips at the Mid-Michigan Women's Expo today through Sunday at the Lansing Center. "It's a winter break for women," said Denise Kolesar, president of Kohler Expos, the company that runs the Women's Expo.

MICHIGAN

More smokers utilizing help line

Melissa Domsic
February 3, 2005

More Michigan smokers have been seeking help with quitting through the Michigan Tobacco Quit Line since the tobacco tax increased last July. During the six months prior to the tax increase, 550 people called the line for help to quit smoking.

MICHIGAN

Simon receives key to city, builds community relations

Kris Turner
February 2, 2005

The city of East Lansing extended a hand of friendship to MSU President Lou Anna Simon Tuesday evening during a reception held in her honor. East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows said good communication between the city and the university is crucial to the continued success of both parties. "I have felt our relations with the university while I have been mayor have been positive," he said.

MICHIGAN

Bills aim to help investors, economy

Rebecca Mcnulty
February 2, 2005

Giving investors tax breaks up to $5,000 if they lose money on risky investments is just part of the Senate Republicans' plan to help boost Michigan's economy and science and technology jobs. Unveiled on Monday, the bills will be aimed at helping companies stay in Michigan and train people for jobs. Last week Gov.

MICHIGAN

Lawmakers propose medicine restrictions

Last week, Christina Kim headed to the aisles of CVS Pharmacy, 240 MAC Ave., when her roommate needed cold medicine. But if some legislators have their way, the advertising sophomore might have to show identification to a licensed pharmacist if she wants to buy cold remedies in the future. As part of a bipartisan push to fight small methamphetamine labs popping up around the country, legislators want over-the-counter medicines to be sold behind pharmacy counters, and not in gas stations or grocery stores. "Currently, meth manufacturers go to grocery stores and pharmacies and buy out their entire supply," said Scott Gerber, spokesman for Sen.

MICHIGAN

Aroma café drifts into E.L.

By Michael Ludwig Special for The State News Despite its colorfully painted walls and new custom-made furniture, walking through the doors of Aroma Gourmet Coffee and Tea for the first time reminded 29-year-old John Reiber of his old favorite shop, Caffe Latte. Aroma Gourmet Coffee and Tea opened for business on Jan.